My Artist Of The Week – “Maria Mena”

I discovered Maria Mena in late 2007. I remember I was watching a “So You Think You Can Dance” episode and one of the artists chose her song “Sorry” to dance solo to. The song was so beautiful that I didn’t even get a chance to focus on the dancer, I was too mesmerized by the lyrics to even see what he was trying to do. Minutes later, I was at my laptop getting a hold of that one song. I listened to it all the way and I cried like a baby. At the time, it really spoke to me. And even if it didn’t, the lyrics are so heartbreaking that it would be hard for anyone to listen to it without getting emotional. For some reason, I didn’t think twice to download more of her music – I think I was too overwhelmed by the beauty of ” Sorry” that I never thought anything could be as magical – until I met a friend of mine who when asked if she knew Maria Mena, screamed into my ear asking if I had heard “Just Hold Me”. Upon hearing my reply (which was a “no…”) she pulled out her iPod and stuck the headphones into my ear. I listened to the song all the way to the end with a straight face. “Do you like it?” She asked and I simply nodded. I then ran towards the bathroom and cried for 10 minutes because that song was so beautifully painful.

What I love most about Maria Mena is her straight-from-the-heart lyrics and simple voice. Her music is so breathtaking that you won’t stop listening to her for weeks. My favourite songs are “Sorry”, “Just Hold Me”, “Nevermind Me” and “Belly Up”. And here are my favourite lyrics;

But if I wanted silence
I would whisper
And if I wanted loneliness
I’d choose to go
And if I like rejection
I’d audition
And if I didn’t love you
You would know

From “Just Hold Me”

I just poured my heart out
There’s bits of it on the floor,
And I take what’s left of it and rinse it under cold water
And call him up for more

From ” Sorry”

What is this game we’re playing?
Should I stick around for more?
Snap your fingers I’ll come running,
leave again when you’re bored
with me
I’ll make it easy

From “Nevermind Me”

I’m glad I was able to find many Maria Mena videos on YouTube. Do enjoy them!

Like this:

Related

Published by 7ala Abdullah

Hala Abdullah is a poet and a feminist from Saudi Arabia. She has founded and is currently the co-president of the Writing Club in Riyadh - a project that aims to help young men and women find their voice through writing.
View all posts by 7ala Abdullah